Home network name displaying methods and apparatus for multiple home networks

Abstract

Home network name displaying methods and apparatus for multiple home networks are disclosed. A mobile station scans to receive a plurality of Mobile Country Code (MCC) and Mobile Network Code (MNC) pairs corresponding to a plurality of communication networks within a coverage area. The mobile station selects and registers with a communication network associated with one of the received MCC and MNC pairs for communication. After the network is selected, the received MCC and MNC pair is compared with a plurality of home network MCC and MNC pairs which are associated with a single home network display name. Based on identifying a match between the received MCC and MNC pair and any one of the home network MCC and MNC pairs, the home network display name is visually displayed in a display of the mobile station. If no match exists, an alternate name is selected for display. The plurality of home network MCC and MNC pairs may be stored in memory of the mobile station or, alternatively, on a Subscriber Identify Module (SIM). Advantageously, a single home network name is displayed when a network associated with any of the home network MCC and MNC pairs is selected for communication.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Technology [0002] The present application relates generally to mobile stations and home network name displaying methods employed thereby. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Wireless communication devices, such as mobile- stations, have the ability to communicate with other devices (e.g. telephones, servers, personal computers (PCs), etc.) through wireless communication networks. A wireless communication network includes a plurality of base stations, each of which provides near-exclusive communication coverage within a given geographic area. However, more than one wireless network is typically available in many, if not most, geographic regions in a competing fashion. Typically, an end user contracts with and pays to receive communication services exclusively from a single “service provider” for a limited period of time (e.g. one year). [0005] Although different networks are available, a mobile station automatically selects and registers ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This may be confusing to a subscriber who may believe that, for example, roaming charges are being incurred due to use of the alternative network when in fact they are not.

If steps were taken to provide the mobile station with special home network name displaying capabilities, compatibility issues may arise between previous, current, and future versions mobile stations and SIMs.

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